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California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday vetoed a bill that would allow major cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco to set up facilities where drugs can be consumed under supervision.
The Democratic governor explained why, saying the unlimited number of safe injection sites SB 57 approves “could trigger a world of unintended consequences.”
Newsom acknowledged that such facilities would be useful, but “can defeat this purpose if implemented without a strong plan… exacerbating the challenges of drug consumption in these areas.” That’s not a risk we can take,” he said.
Proponents wanted to provide a place to inject people who were already using drugs. Opponents, however, argued that the move effectively condoned the use of dangerous drugs.
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State Senator Scott Weiner, a San Francisco Democrat who drafted the bill, called Newsom’s veto “tragic” and a “huge opportunity loss.”
“This is a sad day for CA’s fight against overdose deaths,” Wiener said in a statement.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed also said Newsom’s veto was “disappointing” but vowed “we won’t give up”.
“Overdose prevention programs save lives and help connect people to treatment and services,” she tweeted.
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The veto put Republican leaders in Congress in the rare position of applauding Newsome, a Democrat.
“People struggling with addiction need help, but it’s not a legitimate playing field,” Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Wilk said.
“We need to stop encouraging criminal activity,” added Republican House Leader James Gallagher, who sent his letter. “Instead, we need to promote policies that allow people to safely leave the streets and reintegrate into their communities.”
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Tracy McCray, president of the San Francisco Police Association, also said Newsom was “a den of licensed drugs… causing misery and chaos to residents and businesses forced to be next to these sites.” applauded for blocking what said.
SB 57 was one of the most watched and controversial bills in this Congress. The proposal arose amid a surge in overdose deaths amid the national opioid crisis.
Newsom had previously said he was open to the idea. However, he has frequently denied any interest in running.
Newsom has ordered the Secretary of Health and Human Services to meet with city and county officials to discuss standards and best practices, and if lawmakers get back suggestions on how to safely operate the site, he will take the concept to the next level. said it was open to
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Drug overdose deaths, including nearly 10,000 Californians, increased 28.5% in the 12 months to April 2021, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and exceeded 100,000.
The Associated Press contributed to this.